Even those who stop here pick up their pace.

Charlotte Region

The energy of the Charlotte region may have been sparked by its racing roots, but restaurants, craft breweries, nightlife and culture keep fueling the excitement in North Carolina's largest city. Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame to explore behind-the-scenes exhibits. Raft the rapids where Olympians train at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Spend a day on the water at Lake Norman or an afternoon at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. You can also shop the outlets at Concord Mills or browse hundreds of furniture lines in one spot in Hickory.